Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Matt has consistently been one of the best players at the North American second division level over the past four years - three of which I had the pleasure of coaching him," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "He has had several offers to join Major League Soccer teams, so I am really pleased that he has chosen to take the next step in his career with Vancouver Whitecaps FC."

Watson, 26, joins Whitecaps FC after playing the past four seasons with North American Soccer League (NASL) club Carolina RailHawks - including the past three seasons under Rennie. Last season, the native of Redditch, England, scored three goals and added two assists in 24 appearances to help Carolina capture the NASL regular season title.